Spring has officially sprung, and most people are thinking about summer vacations and spending time outdoors. However, there are some crucial household chores you should take care of, and getting your fireplace ready for warm weather is one of them. In this blog post, we’ll look at the steps to get your chimney and fireplace warm weather-ready and the benefits.
How to Prep Your Chimney & Fireplace Ready for Warm Weather
Schedule Professional Cleaning
The most important thing to do to get your chimney and fireplace ready for summer is to call a professional chimney sweep for a thorough cleaning and inspection. If you relied heavily on your fireplace during winter, you probably have a significant buildup of creosote in the flue. Creosote is flammable, corrosive, and can stink up your house when humid weather and rain arrive.
Besides creosote, if your chimney doesn’t have a cap, you could have critter nests in the flue. Birds, squirrels, rodents, and other animals love to make chimneys their homes during winter.
Inspect the Damper
The damper is the fireplace component that regulates airflow. And because it’s typically made from metal, you should check it for corrosion and that it’s operating correctly. If you can’t close the damper, you risk water getting in through the chimney when it rains.
Check for Chimney Damage
If you feel confident climbing on the roof, now is the time to check your chimney for damage. Things to look for are:
- Cracks
- Water damage like efflorescence
- Loose bricks
- Deteriorating mortar joints
- Gaps
If you notice any of these signs of damage, contact a chimney professional and schedule repairs as soon as possible.
Close the Flue
Once you’ve completed these steps, close the flue to prevent drafts and cold air.
Benefits of Prepping Your Fireplace & Chimney For Summer
Safety
Here’s something you probably didn’t know: A chimney fire can go unnoticed, causing unseen damage. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America,
If you have a slow-burning chimney fire, you may not know anything is happening. These types of chimney fires don’t get enough air or have enough fuel to be dramatic or visible. That’s why they often go undetected until a chimney inspection.
If you’ve neglected annual chimney cleaning and have significant creosote buildup, it’s possible you’ve had a small chimney fire and didn’t know. Prepping your chimney and fireplace with an inspection by a trained professional will alert you to safety hazards like this, so your chimney is safe to use next winter.
Longevity
The regular maintenance performed when preparing your chimney and fireplace for spring and summer can extend their lifespan by keeping them in good condition and taking care of minor repairs before they escalate.
Odor Reduction
As mentioned earlier, creosote buildup can emit a foul odor when humid weather arrives. When you open your home to the warm spring weather, you want your home to smell fresh and clean, not an ashtray. Prepping your chimney and fireplace for warm weather includes a thorough cleaning so to eliminate the chance of foul odors stinking up your house.
Efficiency
Another advantage of regular chimney and fireplace cleaning is to keep the system running efficiently, so you use less fuel and get the most heat output possible.
Aesthetics
Finally, a clean and well-maintained chimney and fireplace can enhance your home’s curb appeal and value.
Call the Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace for Warm Weather Prep
Fluesbrothers Chimney & Fireplace is the chimney sweep Kansas City residents trust most. We’re known as the premium chimney and fireplace services company because the difference we provide is simple: training, certification, service, and satisfaction. This includes everything we do from the first call to the finished project until we know you’re 100% satisfied.
If you need to get your chimney and fireplace ready for the warm weather ahead or need dryer vent services, contact us today at 913-236-7141.
